400 Days – Review

“400 Days” centers on four astronauts sent on a simulated mission to a distant planet to test the psychological effects of deep space travel. Locked away for 400 days, the crew’s mental state begins to deteriorate when they lose all communication with the outside world. Forced to exit the ship, they discover that this mission may not have been a simulation after all.

I was looking forward to this movie. I love a good mash up of horror and sci-fi as many of my all time favourite movies fit this sub-genre. 400 days seemed like something I could sink my teeth into. I had seen the trailers and read all the hype, which isn’t my usual modus operandi, but the movie was so original that I was entertained from beginning to end. I have to give credit to writer/director Matt Osterman for trying to create something fresh.

Now I know what you are thinking. How is a movie about four astronauts on a mission gone to hell a fresh story? Simply because that’s not what the movie is about. The synopsis is a little misleading, but I’m guessing that was intentional. Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz, Ben Feldman, and Dane Cook play our four protagonists (With Cook being more of the antagonist) who are locked away on a test mission out to determine the physical and mental effects of space travel and isolation. Something goes wrong a few days in but the crew manages to skillfully handle the situation, as they are trained to do. They chalk it up as part of the test. But was it? Lack of communication and a series of strange events and encounters eventually lead our heroes out of their “shuttle.” The movie then makes a very drastic shift in direction.

I don’t want to spoil anything for you so I’m not going to go into the details, but the movie’s changing plot and unanswered questions are what made it hugely entertaining. It was very well cast and although the characters were a little one dimensional, they actors did a very convincing job. I successfully despised Cook’s character, meaning he played it well enough. Cook was also an executive producer so I’m sure he put his heart into that role. Brandon Routh and Caity Lotz (of super hero stardom) did well as the awkward ex-couple and Feldman completed the stereotypes as the mild mannered nerd.

All in all, not something that is going to be remembered for years to come. It was far from great, but original enough to be considered good. Most importantly, it was entertaining. I’d recommend it to those that like the sci-fi themed thrillers or post-apocalyptic horrors. Catch the trailer below (If you missed our first article.)